Crowns & Bridges

Many men and women have dental crowns to protect vulnerable teeth and bridges to restore smiles. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 15 million people in the United States have crowns or bridges put in place of missing teeth. The experienced dentists at 183 Family Dentistry are highly trained and ready to answer your dental crown or bridge questions. Call or schedule an appointment at the Leander, Texas, dental practice if you think you might need a crown or bridge.

Crowns and Bridges Q & A

What is a crown?

A crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that's used to cover a damaged or weak tooth. It's shaped to look like the natural tooth and can strengthen the tooth and restore its appearance. The crown fits over the tooth and is cemented into place so that the original tooth is completely encased.

What is a bridge?

A bridge is a fixed prosthetic consisting of replacement teeth that literally serves to “bridge” the span of gaps in your smile. Bridges are typically bonded to surrounding teeth, acting as stabilizing anchors.

Is a crown or bridge a good fit for me?

There are a number of reasons 183 Family Dentistry's knowledgeable dentists might recommend a crown or a bridge.

A crown can cover a strangely-shaped or dark tooth, and they’re also used in a dental implant. In addition to making a tooth more aesthetically appealing, a crown can serve a practical purpose by strengthening a natural tooth. Teeth that are weakened by decay or extremely large fillings are at risk of breaking unless they're strengthened with a crown.

Bridges fill gaps in your smile, improving your appearance. But, missing teeth can cause the harmful shifting of neighboring teeth, which can lead to bone loss and gum disease. It can also affect how you speak and digest food. Bridges help improve your chewing, digestion, and speech while helping to maintain your overall oral health.

Whether you’re looking to improve the look of your smile or the functionality of your teeth, a crown or bridge may be the best option.

What are the different types of crowns?

Dental crown construction has advanced over the years. Crowns can be fashioned out of many materials, including:

Stainless steel

Gold or another alloy

Porcelain fused to metal

Resin

Ceramic

The material used depends on a range of factors. For example, stainless steel is typically the go-to material for temporary crowns. Prefabricated stainless steel crowns are a frequent choice for children who have decayed baby teeth and need crowns.

Metal crowns are strong and able to tolerate the impact of chewing and biting, but due to their color, they're commonly used on teeth in the rear of the mouth.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a more natural appearance than metal crowns, but they do come with some downsides. For instance, the metal portion of the crown might be visible as a dark line close to the gums, and the opposing teeth might endure more wear than with other types of crowns.

All-resin crowns are more affordable, which makes them an appealing choice for many patients, but they're also more prone to fractures. All-ceramic crowns are the best choice for men and women with metal allergies.

What should I expect when I get a crown or a bridge?

A crown or bridge procedure generally requires at least two visits to the dentist.

At the first appointment, you'll have X-rays taken so that your dental professional at 183 Family Dentistry can ascertain the condition of the tooth that’s getting a crown or the gap where the bridge will be placed.

Next, the dentist will administer anesthesia, then build up or file down the original tooth so that the crown will attach securely or the bridge will have sufficient room to fit. After your teeth are prepared, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth, which a lab uses to manufacture the crown or bridge. For crowns, your dentist will place a temporary crown over your tooth until the permanent crown is completed.

At the second appointment, your dentist places your crown or bridge during a relatively simple procedure. Both crowns and bridges are placed using a special adhesive that bonds the device to your teeth.

To learn more about dental crowns, call 183 Family Dentistry or make an appointment online.